When a stroke happens, minutes mean everything. That's why it is so important to get to a facility where diagnosis and treatment of a stroke will be immediate. East Cooper Medical Center's Joint Commission Designation as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center means our board-certified emergency physicians and experienced stroke team will know exactly what to do if you or a loved one are in need.

If you witness someone who you think may be suffering from a stroke, call 9-1-1 or get them to our Charleston emergency room immediately. Take note of the time when the first symptoms appeared, as a clot-busting drug, if administered within three hours of the start of symptoms, can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Here are some of the warning signs to look for:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body